Colas Rail UK has begun work on Phase 2 of Coventry’s Very Light Rail (CVLR) programme. This will see a new 800 metre double track demonstration line built between Coventry Railway Station and Coventry University Technology Park.
Colas Rail have been commissioned to complete the construction by Coventry City Council, who gave Full Council Approval to the latest phase of the scheme in January 2026. Colas will be using a streamlined, construction-led approach that is aimed to accelerate delivery, reduces risk and keeps disruption to a minimum for local stakeholders.
Extensive surveys have already been completed with procurement of the innovative track slabs now underway. This will allow the scheme to move towards the construction phase.
Iain Anderson, Managing Director for Urban & Industries at Colas Rail UK, said: “We are thrilled to be starting work on the second phase of the Coventry Very Light Rail, this next phase represents a major step forward in bringing an innovative, sustainable light rail transport solution to Coventry. Colas Rail is proud to be part of a project that is not only transforming the city’s infrastructure but also setting new standards for innovation in light rail systems across the UK.”
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Coventry City Council Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said: “We worked with Colas Rail to deliver our first demonstrator route so I’m glad to welcome them back to the team for the next phase which see our innovative track and vehicle operating in live traffic. We know it goes down fast, we know its really good value and we know it has the potential to transform how people move around small to medium sized cities.
“The route to Coventry University’s Technology Park will allow us to showcase the benefits of CVLR in a live environment, proving how this innovative system can be delivered quickly, affordably and with minimal disruption. It’s an exciting moment for Coventry, and brings us significantly closer to a transport network that reflects the ambition and ingenuity of our city.”
It is hoped that this new demonstration line – which will run alongside other traffic and will also see upgrades to the VLR tram used previously – will be operating by October 2027.